Been to see my GP today

[panda60]

Haven't posted much on here recently as I've been too exhausted to think straight. Went to see my lovely GP today to ask about my thyroid but he doesn't think it is a problem as my last test came back well within range and if I'm honest my mother's symptoms before diagnosis were far more severe than fatigue. As time goes by I realise more and more how complex Hughes is.

My back neck and legs are all painful so I suspect that I am having some kind of flare which makes sense after the horrible virus I had for weeks. So back came the old chestnut of whether or not I am depressed or too tired. My doctor has given me a questionnaire to fill in about my mood which I will do. My 'marker' is that when I was depressed years ago I couldn't sit still and didn't want to be at home on my own, whereas now I could happily stay in all day reading, listening to the radio or watching TV and pottering about the house doing what I can, which isn't a lot.

Another facet of Hughes which I find difficult is the sensitivity to medication. My BP is high so I tried one tablet which lasted four days before I felt sick. Started a new one today and am already feeling 'off'. I had at last found a brand of paracetamol that didn't need me sick and it looks like the manufacturer is discontinuing it!

So all in all not a happy bunny at the moment but all I can do is take one day at a time.

[KarenOR]

I can not take many medication as my body rejects it. It annoys the hell out of the hospital. They left me in pain over night because they did not know what to give me. I ened up ringing a family member up as they are a drugs nursecshe listed of medication I could have, the doctor was surprised in the morning.

[panda60 in reply to KarenOR]

I dread having to be given morphine as I was once given pethedine when they

Thought I was in labour and I can remember it vividly nearly 29yrs ago! I have had several operations since but fortunately managed with ibuprofen and paracetamol.

Some anaesthetists listen and others don't. I have been given codeine by one even though I told him it made me sick and dizzy.

[Hidden]

Hi there,

I think you shall be concerned about your blood pressure. Try to keep it down. It can be very important if you have APS.

Take care

Kerstin

[tim47]

A touch of irony. I saw a trusted doctor at my surgery today because I as desperately tired but can't sleep well because of dry mouth waking me what seems like every ten minutes. Actually fell asleep in the waiting room. Got thorough going over putting every other appointment back at least 30 mins. ECG and full exam. Also given depression check list and did badly. Spent a long time trying to find a drug that might fit with present regime but when I got home and read leaflet v uneasy about starting till next week as I have a 100 mile and return drive I must make this weekend if possible. Don't think the form was driven by QOF not least as he will no doubt have had grief from some for delay in seeing them after me.

Incidentally. Pharmacist said this is worst week of year for depression?

[panda60]

I am very lucky with my practice. My GP has never been reluctant to refer me if I need to see a consultant or have any tests or scans. Unfortunately Plaquenil isn't an option for me as it was prescribed for me when I was diagnosed in 2002 but I developed a severe allergy, so was given Mepacrine instead which I have been fine with, although how much effect it is having is difficult to judge after all this time.

My husband is very worried about me and wants me to keep a note of how I feel over the next few days and then fill in the questionnaire. Not much of a fan of forms but if I were feeling severely depressed ironically I might have found it easier to hand something over to be read rather than to,have to say it myself.

[panda60]

Sounds like you too have a good GP. Sensible of you to wait to start taking the pills until you've done your drive.

Doesn't surprise me what your pharmacist has said. Stress of Christmas followed by miserable cold weather and dark evenings?